When in Spain
I probably use the terms “life-changing” or “game changer” too often, or so I’ve been told. My wife has often called me the master of hyperbole for just that reason. Because of this, people close to me are wary when I describe something as the best I have ever had or done. We’ll come back to this.
Recently, our new brand and partners at Mondraker Bikes offered to send me to Alicante, Spain, to tour their facilities and meet their management team. Along with a few other bike dealers from the US and our sales reps, we headed out with our luggage, which mostly consisted of riding gear with enough space in the event we needed to bring back some swag. Having never been to Spain or experienced the culture in any way, this was an exciting adventure that we bike shop people rarely get treated to.
Before our trip, we received an itinerary that hinted there was something special about our hosts. The event was thoughtfully curated—not just to help us recover from jet lag but to give us a full, immersive experience and a genuine introduction to our hosts and the company they represent.
It didn’t take long after our arrival to see that our friends at Mondraker were serious—not just about their bikes, but about the entire experience. As for the company itself, Mondraker has built a state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly factory that feels both modern and welcoming, celebrating its history while looking toward the future.
During our tour, we learned about their assembly and sub-assembly workflow. Every part of a bike is traceable to the individuals who handled it. With just a serial number, the factory can identify who did what during the bike’s build.
We also toured their custom paint and frame repair facility. There, we learned how color choices are selected, prototyped and how their painting specifications are sent abroad to be duplicated. Thanks to their meticulous, controlled paint process, any bike paint used in their overseas factory can be replicated exactly in Alicante, Spain—down to temperature and precise color mix.
Before the trip, we decided to work with Mondraker because our local rep brought us bikes to test—and we were immediately impressed. Not only do their bikes have a distinct look, but they also ride incredibly well. Every member of our staff who test rode one came back raving—and many even set personal records on both climbs and descents.
While in Spain, I had the pleasure of testing two models: the Arid, their gravel bike, and the Crafty, their full-powered eMTB. And now, cue the hyperbole I’m known for... WOW. Maybe it was the fresh, clean food, the never-ending jamón and squid, the delicious wine, or simply the warmest, friendliest company I’ve ever encountered. Maybe the folks at Mondraker sprinkled pixie dust on the bikes—or on my hotel room pillow—but whatever it was, these people build some incredible machines.
I’ve been riding mountain bikes since the late ’80s, and Mondraker has managed to come astonishingly close to perfection. I know I’ve said this before (probably a hundred times since owning a bike shop), but I swear—this time, it’s true. This company is dedicated to making great bikes, spreading great vibes, and doing it better. Riding a Mondraker is a “game changer”. Don’t believe me? We brought in a fleet of their demos for you to ride on your favorite trails. Find out more here.
